Pomeranian

A Fragile Little Lap Dog

Highly Intelligent, Outgoing, and Energetic

Pomeranians are eager to learn, playful, and adventurous, toy dogs. Poms are bold and curious, they tend to be reserved around or bark at strangers and others dogs, so they need sufficient socialization from puppyhood. These bouncy and confident dogs make great family pets, but can be snappy with small children. Although they are energetic, they are too family oriented to live outdoors. Ideal owners for Poms are singles, seniors, apartment dwellers, and those who live in the city. Daily walks and play sessions are ideal to keep these fun and fluffy dogs calmer while indoors.

Understanding their unique needs will help keep them healthy and create a strong bond between the two of you. Explore this page to learn more about the breed’s history, health concerns, characteristics, and care needs.

Dental: Pomeranians often have serious problems with their teeth, so you’ll need to brush them at least three times a week!

Ear Care: Clean ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

The Pomeranian is a loving and docile companion, but can be independent and willful. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a lively and loyal addition to any family.

Positive Traits:

Highly intelligent, playful, and energetic

Outgoing and friendly personality

Alert, curious, and busy

Protective of family: good watch dog

Highly trainable and eager to please

Sweet, gentle, and sensitive

Negative Traits:

Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble

May have a tendency to bark excessively

Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance

Can be difficult to housetrain

Fragile and easily injured because of her small size

Can be snappy with children

Whether you are considering adding a new Pomeranian to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Pomeranian will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Pomeranian you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. She’s counting on you to be her health expert.

The Pomeranian originated in Germany during the 16th century as a large Spitz breed used for sheep herding. They were then bred down in size for companionship. The smaller Pomeranians became popular pets when Queen Victoria imported them to Britain in the late 19th century and established a breeding kennel. Poms enjoy close human companionship and bond quickly, but do not tend to be overly clingy. They demand to be the center of attention and enjoy entertaining with their comical tricks and vivacious outlook on life. The Pomeranian is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 15 years.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Pomeranian shows signs of the following:

Coughing, exercise intolerance, rapid breathing at rest

Fatigue during exercise, coughing, or shortness of breath

Coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, rapid breathing at rest

Care

Dental: Pomeranians often have serious problems with their teeth, so you’ll need to brush them at least three times a week!

Ear Care: Clean ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Characteristics

The Pomeranian is a loving and docile companion, but can be independent and willful. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a lively and loyal addition to any family.

Positive Traits:

Highly intelligent, playful, and energetic

Outgoing and friendly personality

Alert, curious, and busy

Protective of family: good watch dog

Highly trainable and eager to please

Sweet, gentle, and sensitive

Negative Traits:

Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble

May have a tendency to bark excessively

Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance

Can be difficult to housetrain

Fragile and easily injured because of her small size

Can be snappy with children

Health Concerns

Whether you are considering adding a new Pomeranian to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Pomeranian will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Pomeranian you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. She’s counting on you to be her health expert.

History

The Pomeranian originated in Germany during the 16th century as a large Spitz breed used for sheep herding. They were then bred down in size for companionship. The smaller Pomeranians became popular pets when Queen Victoria imported them to Britain in the late 19th century and established a breeding kennel. Poms enjoy close human companionship and bond quickly, but do not tend to be overly clingy. They demand to be the center of attention and enjoy entertaining with their comical tricks and vivacious outlook on life. The Pomeranian is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 15 years.

Watch Out For

Consult with a veterinarian if your Pomeranian shows signs of the following:

Coughing, exercise intolerance, rapid breathing at rest

Fatigue during exercise, coughing, or shortness of breath

Coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, rapid breathing at rest

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